Got the AOS out, what should I be doing before I install the new one?

[BoxsterInTheSun]

I'm preemptively replacing the AOS on my new to me 2002 base Boxster with 135k miles, it doesn't smoke, but does smell of oil quite a bit. I don't get the impression the previous owner looked after it, so just knocking the common jobs out one at a time.

First of all, the engine is filthy, so I'll be cleaning that. Any tips what to use? I have aerosol degreaser on hand if that's suitable?



I removed the old AOS without much fanfare, I expected it was going to be much harder. It seemed like there was a lot of oil in it, and in the hoses coming off it. Not sure if that's expected or not?






There also seems to be a buildup of oil on the area marked below in red. Not sure if that's a result of the AOS leaking? But doesn't seem right...



Aside from cleaning everything up, is there anything else I should be doing before I put the new AOS back in? Is it worth cleaning the throttle bodies based on what you see in these pictures?

Thanks as always for all the help, I appreciate it so much!

[Starter986]

I'd first plug up the holes from the absent AOS (shop rags)... don't want debris falling in.

Clean the top AOS tube inside out. Wipe alll that nasty stuff off the top of the engine.

Remove the throttle body and clean it. While it's out start cleaning up that oil and dirt everywhere. Spray, wipe with rags. Be careful around every plastic part... as they're old, and you don't want to break something creating new problems.

[78F350]

I think that someone has hijacked Starter's account. Normally his early morning posts are satiric mockery. This post is helpful and correct.

[BoxsterInTheSun]

Thank you so much for the advice, I really appreciate it!

I managed to get the throttle body out, and to my ( very ) untrained eye it looked pretty dirty.

I cleaned it up with throttle body cleaner and it looks way better than before.

I'm really hoping that AOS was the source of my oil smell problems, there is oil up in that whole area for sure, specifically everything that the AOS is connected to.

More cleaning of the engine tomorrow including the MAF sensor and a new airfilter, and then putting it all back together, hopefully.

[tcoradeschi]

Originally Posted by Starter986

I'd first plug up the holes from the absent AOS (shop rags)... don't want debris falling in.

Clean the top AOS tube inside out. Wipe alll that nasty stuff off the top of the engine.

Remove the throttle body and clean it. While it's out start cleaning up that oil and dirt everywhere. Spray, wipe with rags. Be careful around every plastic part... as they're old, and you don't want to break something creating new problems.

Alternatively, don’t try to avoid breaking some ancient brittle piece of plastic. If it’s that fragile, and you’ve already pulled a bunch of stuff apart, might as well take care of some things preventatively.

FWIW

[Starter986]

Originally Posted by 78F350

I think that someone has hijacked Starter's account. Normally his early morning posts are satiric mockery. This post is helpful and correct.

I must not have been paying attention to the clock... for my best material is before 4A PST.

Won't let that happen again.



Coincidentally, that is why I quit Facebook about 5 years ago. That **************** was rich no matter the time of day.

[Dog'sLife]

Oil smell when I got my 986 was leaking plug tubes. If you have the intake off, how's the starter? The check valve for the evap system?
And good god that thing looks like it was submerged!
Have fun!!